1 Thessalonians 2:7

On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul and his companions address the Thessalonian church, contrasting their conduct with itinerant teachers who sought financial gain.

The words — The supplied Greek terms δύναμενοι (dunamenoi, "having authority") and βάρει (barei, "weight") establish the right Paul explicitly refuses to exercise.

The thread — The nursing mother image parallels God’s consolation in Isaiah 66:13 and reinforces the pastoral requirement for kindness and forbearance in 2 Timothy 2:24.

Why it lands — The text states that those with legitimate authority choose gentle, self-giving service instead, requiring readers to measure leadership by its cost rather than its demand for honor.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Cross-references

Isaiah 66:13 As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.”
2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
1 Thessalonians 2:11 For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—
Isaiah 49:23 Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
Ezekiel 34:14 I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.